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136 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MAŅIPATI-CARITA 19. Caravans brought each season's fruits, as soon as they
were available, to this king as he enjoyed the fivefold
pleasures of the senses. 20. Now one day arrived the hot season when the sun like
an evil king is grim of aspect because it produces
discomfort through the violence of its rays, 21. when the sun makes the lotuses tremble right to the pith
of their stalks at break of day whilst the moon opens
the blue water-lilies at the hour of midnight, 22. (and when the women moisten themselves with water,
intent on removing the fever . . .?) This hot season
having come suddenly, 23. the heat, permeating the spaces of heaven and earth,
was smelting like a smith the movable and immovable
world with the fire of the enemy of darkness. 24. Closely embraced by his royal lakşmi which had waxed
owing to his exceptional valour, his body bathed and
adorned, and holding a fine pāțalā bud, 25. in the early afternoon time the king was seated on a
royal couch by an upper window of the palace and
at the same time 26. Queen Pșthvi was seated on a noble couch near the king.
The king was resplendent like the full moon accom
panied by his consort Rohini. 27. Servant-girls skilled in the proper preparation of the
toilet, their bodies swathed, were combing his straight
locks with golden combs. 28. Pșthvi espied a white hair close to the ear of the king
who was clad in black and lacking in lustre. 29. Her eyes opening in merriment, the firm orbs of her
breasts heaving slightly, she said to the king : My
dear, an envoy has come '. 30. Then the king quickly glanced outdoors and saw men
and horses in the courtyard of the house but no envoy. 31. No envoy was announced by the ministers or by the
various gatekeepers; so she said : What very important matter is happening here?'
